[Special] Free Online Image Editors

We made a little special about online image editing up for you. For many people Photoshop, the standard picture editing software, is too complicated, too slow or simply beyond budget. For most purposes it’s not necessary to install a local software with thousands of functions. Scaling a picture here and there, removing the red-eye-effect or doing simple colour adjustments works perfectly with these useful tools.

We tested applications for you that don’t require installation or sometimes not even registration. Basic functions come for free with all offers and some applications like our test champion Pixlr can be used completely for free.

1. pixlr.com

The test winner doesn’t require registration, is completely for free and offers plenty of functions – they range from simple editing functions to complex effects, layer tools and gradient curves. All this wealth of functions is neatly packed into an extremely fast and easy to use interface, strongly remembering us of the offline Photoshop interface. When switching to Pixlr’s full screen mode you hardly realise that you still work within a browser window – that’s how fast and fluid this web-application comes across.

For an extra there is also pixlrExpress – a reduced editor version perfectly suited for basic tasks and beginners. Pixlr is available in many international languages.

2. picnik.com

This function-rich editor is a prime example for modern web 2.0 applications. Huge icons, colourful and interactive. Yet, very well done and really easy to use. The interface is very fast and modifications to the pictures are instantly visible. There are plenty of editing tools like effects, creating collages and many more. You can also order prints of the edited pictures from within the program.

Picnik comes in quite a few languages and for basic functions you don’t have to register. If you long for more tools registration is necessary. The full range of tools and functions like the unlimited history of editing steps is available on charge. Payment is possible monthly, semi-yearly or yearly. Annual payment is the cheapest option with $ 24.95 (€ 19.47) per year.

3. photoshop.com

Adobe granted its online editor Photoshop Express an update. The application now comes with a new design and became a lot faster. The best improvement, however, is that for just editing and saving (on your hard drive) you don’t have to register anymore.

The 3rd place goes to the online version of the popular offline image editor Photoshop. The web-application is available in many languages and free of charge, but requires registration. The functionality stands in no comparison to the offline version, yet still offers quite a lot. Your basic image editing can be polished with more complex effects. The focus of the developers clearly lies on the community function. Users get 2 GB for storage and a gallery to show off their edited work – to friends only or for the general public. The option to order prints is offered as well.

4. aviary.com

Aviary is not a single image editor, but a complete suite. Available are „image editor“, „screen capture“, „vector editor“, „effects editor“, „music creator“, „audio editor“, „image markup“ and „swatch editor“. What a bunch!

To use the basic tools no registration is required. It is however necessary if you wish to use the community options. Registration is free and, by the way, can be done via Facebook or Twitter as well.

The range of functions is wide: Different tools and layers help your workflow. Pictures can be sourced from your computer or from web based services like Facebook, Flickr and Picasa. The program is available in English only.

5. pixer.us

There is no registration or charge for Pixer. The application offers simple editing tools as well as effects and is very easy to use. The user interface is very neat and tidy, doesn’t disturb with ads and editing steps are shown instantly. Pixer comes in English only.

6. splashup.com

The structure of Splashup is similar to pixlr.com but offers only a fraction of the options. It’s free and no registration is asked for. The very fast interface presents users with simple picture modification features. Of course the common connections to community platforms aren’t missing. The application is available in English.

7. flauntr.com

Flauntr’s strenghts lie in the community functions. Registration is required but free. Editing options include effects, transparencies and text. There is also the possibility to design greeting cards with your own motives. Pictures can be uploaded directly from Picasa. The program is available in English, German, French, Spanish and Dutch.

8. fotoflexer.com

Fotoflexer is free and doesn’t ask for registration. The service comes in many languages and offers basic editing features such as effects, ornaments and text. Fotoflexer also offers the option to import pictures from popular communities. A drawback are the advertisements on the page.

9. phixr.com

Phixr is also free and needs no registration. The application is easy to use and with basic effects simple greeting cards can be created very fast. The service is available in English, German, Spanish, Chinese and Japanase (edit: languages updated following comment). Besides the positives it has a few downsides. Larger pictures are reduced automatically and the service is financed with advertisements. Another reason for the second last position in our test are the rudimentary editing tools.

10. drpic.com

There is no fee or registration for drpic. Basic editing of pictures is possible, yet functionality is very limited. The service is available in English only and riddled with ads.